Former Republic of Ireland U21 cap and Cheltenham Town star John “JJ” Melligan is hoping to make a mark in the League of Ireland after completing his move to Dundalk at the weekend. The 28-year-old Dubliner put pen to paper on a one-year full-time deal at Oriel Park on Saturday afternoon and, just over an hour later, scored on his debut with a clinical finish against Derry City, a goal which proved enough to give the Lilywhites a fourth win on the spin and maintain their unbeaten record in pre-season.

Irish opportunity
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bournemouth, Kidderminster Harriers and Doncaster Rovers midfielder left his most recent club, Leyton Orient, by mutual consent earlier this month and would as a result have been unable to sign for another UK club until the next transfer window opens. However, he is now hoping to make his Irish opportunity count. “I’m looking forward to playing for the club,” JJ told dundalkfc.com after signing. “I’ve never played in the League of Ireland before, this is a first for me, so I’m hoping to do well.”

Melligan content
Melligan played for 66 minutes against Derry, scoring just past the half-hour mark after being assisted by Liam Burns, and he was content with his first outing for the club. “I done alright, it was my first game in two-and-a-half months,” he said. “It was my first proper game in a long time, so I thought I done OK, I can’t really complain. I got a goal as well so I’m happy with that. It’s pre-season, so we won’t get carried away.” He will return to the UK this week to finalise his move home to Dublin and won’t come back into contention until Friday’s friendly at Monaghan United, although he would have been unable to partake in Wednesday’s Leinster Senior Cup tie against Ballymun United as International Clearance has still to be granted.

‘Genuine guys’
Melligan, who says he can play anywhere across the middle, behind the front two or in behind the striker, knows Ian Foster and Wayne Hatswell well from his days at Kidderminster Harriers in 2002/03, and he is eager to repay the duo for taking him to Dundalk. “I know the manager and I know the assistant manager, I was on loan at Kidderminster and I played with both of them,” he said, “so I’m looking forward to doing well for them, because they’re both genuine guys.”

‘Great experience’
Foster also expressed his happiness at landing Melligan, who he says is unlikely to play in the second striker role as he did against Derry. “I’m delighted to get hold of him," Fozzy said. "He has got great experience and again versatility. As we seen today, he can play as a second striker. I don’t particularly see him as that, but we were missing Neale Fenn today, who was away at a christening. JJ filled in there and came up with a goal, which was pleasing. He can play anywhere across the midfield, and, again, pops up with goals.”